FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 25, 2012
FLORIDA STATE
PARKS ANNOUNCES DECEMBER ATTENDANCE RECORD
~State parks served a record
number of visitors in December 2011,
and mid-year attendance is 9 million
visitors higher than last year~
Park visitors stop at the Ranger Station before enjoying a day at
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee.
TALLAHASSEE -
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park
Service marked record-breaking attendance for December 2011, serving nearly 1.5
million visitors in Florida’s 160 state parks. This is the most December
visitors ever recorded.
“Providing access to Florida’s award-winning state parks is
a top priority for DEP, and we’re pleased to see citizens and visitors taking
advantage of the opportunity to enjoy one-of-a-kind natural resources,” said
DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “Our state parks not only provide an
affordable, fun and family-friendly places to spend a day, but also help local
citizens and visitors learn more about, and gain an appreciation for, our
environment.”
In December, Florida State Parks served 1,494,874 visitors,
an increase of 439,937 visitors from December 2010. Six months into this fiscal
year, attendance is up by more than 9 million visitors than at this time last
year.
“The Florida Park Service continually strives to provide
high quality nature-based recreation and maintain pristine natural and cultural
resources,” said DEP’s Florida Park Service Director Donald V. Forgione. “I’m
proud of all the staff and volunteers who work daily to ensure each visitor has
a positive, memorable experience and that Florida’s resources are preserved for future
generations to enjoy.”
During Fiscal Year 2010-2011, Florida State Parks welcomed
20.4 million visitors and made an economic impact of more than $967 million in
local communities. Daily entrance fees to most state parks range from $4 to $8
for a vehicle with up to eight people. As Florida’s
economy continues to rebound, Florida’s
state parks and trails lead the way in affordable adventure.
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About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails
The
nation’s best state parks and trails have joined forces. Now a part of
the Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service, the
award-winning Office of Greenways and Trails manages the 110-mile
Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, eight state trails and
more. Florida’s award-winning state parks have inspired residents and
visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that helps to
strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster
community pride. With 160 parks, 700,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches
and more than 600 miles of multi-use trails, visit soon and often to
enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org or www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/.
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